JAKARTA, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- Mongolian Maral-Erdene Batmunk timed the fastest to win the first stage of the 2019 International Tour de Banyuwangi Ijen in Indonesia's East Java province on Wednesday.
Batmunk, of Trengganu Cycling Team of Malaysia, took three hours, three minutes and 36 seconds to win the 133.2kg stage from Genteng town to the office of head of district of Banyuwangi.
Batmunk took the first position with about 100 meters before the finish.
"I am glad to be able to win the first stage," he said.
Australian Robbie Hucker from Ukyo Team of Japan placed second, followed by Australian Jesse Ewart from Sapura Cycling Team of Malaysia.
The second stage will run from Alas National Park to the outside of the office of head of district of Banyuwangi for a distance of 148.2 kilometers.
The 2019 International Tour de Banyuwangi Ijen features four stages for a total distance of 520 kilometers, running from September 25 till September 28 with the participation of 19 teams.
